Claire Sofield, co-owner and sales director of Manchester and Lancashire based recruitment company Four Recruitment – has been appointed to the role.

Claire moves from the position of vice chair having risen through the ranks of the future pro-Manchester committee since joining in 2015.

She will be joined by vice-chair Doug King, in continuing to promote and develop young talent within Greater Manchester’s business and professional sector.

They will work together on The Made in Manchester Awards, which returns in February 2018 for a seventh consecutive year, plus a range of business focused activities designed to help young professionals develop new skills, build relationships and network with like-minded people.

Former chair Sam Jones

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Claire established Four Recruitment in 2008 alongside her brother Phil at the age of just 25. In addition to her work as an owner, she is also involved with NatWest’s Entrepreneurial Spark programme, mentoring business leaders of the future.

Claire is a huge supporter of The British Lung Foundation and local charity – Sam’s Gift, which, will both be supported by the future pro committee during Claire’s time as chair.

She said: "It’s a real honour to become the chair of future pro-manchester. Having started my business at a particularly young age, the help, support and advice I received from my business network was vital.

"Future pro-manchester greatly assists young professionals in developing the skills necessary to grow and nurture their own network, building great businesses across the city and region.

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“It has been wonderful to work with Sam Jones who has been a fantastic chair over the past 12 months and I hope to continue the good work over the coming year.”

The committee will support two charities over the forthcoming year, both of which are close to Claire’s heart – The British Lung Foundation supporting people living with lung conditions and Sam’s Gift a local charity based in Bury supporting teenagers and young people living with cancer.

Vice-chair Doug King added: “I am delighted to be nominated as vice chairman for future pro-manchester.

"I really enjoy working in a great city that offers so much to its people, and look forward to being able to contribute in a new way to continue the great work of pro-manchester for the city’s professionals”.